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2012/13 A-League Grand Final
Western Sydney vs Central Coast Mariners
Sunday 21st April. 4:00pm AEST
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney.
Referee: Peter Green.
Broadcast: Live on Fox Sports 1/1HD and ABC Radio and ABC Grandstand Digital.

How they got there – Western Sydney

Western Sydney defeated Brisbane Roar 2-0 in last week’s semi final encounter, thanks to goals from Dino Kresinger and marquee player Shinji Ono. In doing so, Western Sydney ensured that the Grand Final would be hosted in Sydney, against the winner of the Central Coast vs Melbourne Victory semi final. Despite the Wanderers earning hosting rights for the game, the Grand Final will be played at Allianz Stadium due to Parramatta Stadium’s small capacity.

How they got there – Central Coast

Central Coast held off Melbourne Victory 1-0 on Sunday afternoon, with a first half goal to golden boot winner Daniel McBreen enough to ensure the Mariners qualified for the Grand Final.

The statistical breakdown

Head to Head: Western Sydney 1 win, Central Coast … Continue Reading

2012/13 A-League Semi Final
Western Sydney Wanderers vs Brisbane Roar
Friday 12th April. 7:30pm AEST
Venue: Parramatta Stadium, Parramatta
Referee: Alan Milliner
Broadcast: Live on Fox Sports 1/1HD

How they got there – Western Sydney

Western Sydney finished top of the table during the A-League regular season, taking home the premiers plate in their debut season. As such, they earned a week off during the first week of the finals, as well as the right to host a semi final this week.

How they got there – Brisbane

The Roar overpowered Adelaide United last week at Hindmarsh Stadium, holding on in the dying moments for a 2-1 away win. With Melbourne Victory beating Perth last Friday, Brisbane were the lower ranked winning team in week 1 of the finals, and as a result, were drawn to face Western Sydney in Parramatta.

The statistical breakdown

Head to Head: Western Sydney 3 wins, Brisbane Roar 0 wins,0 draws.
Head to Head (Previous 5): Western Sydney 3 wins, Brisbane Roar 0 wins, … Continue Reading

It’s official – the inaugural Sydney Derby is a sell out. The news that Parramatta Stadium will be at full capacity for the first meeting between Sydney FC and the Western Sydney Wanderers caps off what has been a stunning few weeks for football in Sydney.

Sydney FC’s capture of Italian superstar Alessandro Del Piero, coupled with the much anticipated A-League debut for the Western Sydney Wanderers, has sparked unprecedented media coverage and interest in the A-League from the harbour city. Over thirty five thousand fans packed Allianz Stadium to witness Del Piero’s home debut for the Sky Blues, whilst the Wanderers attracted a healthy debut attendance of ten and a half thousand on a rainy and windy Saturday night in Sydney’s west.

With only one point between them from their opening two matches, both teams will head to Parramatta Stadium desperate for a win and a chance to claim initial bragging rights, in what is expected to … Continue Reading

Three – Western Sydney Wanderers.

Probably the most anticipated expansion club in the A-League’s short history, Western Sydney Wanderers’ inclusion into the A-League was viewed as so vital to the competition by Football Federation Australia that a decision was made for the club to be set up and funded, at least initially, by the governing body.

Western Sydney has fast become Australia’s most sought after sporting area. With an expanding population and a rich sporting history across many codes, it has in recent years become somewhat of a battle ground for the hearts and minds of the western Sydney sporting public. Traditionally a football and Rugby League stronghold, the area has become even further crowded with the AFL’s incursion into the region with the introduction of the Greater Western Sydney Giants.

In 2009, Football Federation Australia awarded Sydney Rovers FC entry into the A-League, however the bid faltered after failure to secure funding meant that football fans in the … Continue Reading

PREDICTION: 10th. Very much an unknown line-up without a standout. This team will surprise most in their debut season (including me) and look solid defensively. The signing of Michael Ballack could prove pivotal, and not only on the pitch. The German superstar is renowned around the world and his hard working reputation, combined with silky skills, could see West Sydney make the post season in their debut season. I am still tipping them to come last, but with the A-League so close a finish anywhere from 6-10 is possible.

BEST FINISH: Debut Season.

THE SIGNING: The entire list is new signings but the standout is Ante Covic. Had a fantastic year last season with Melbourne Victory and I was very surprised to see him part ways. In many ways he kept the Victory season alive, but will once again have to be at his best for the Wanderers to have any say come playoff time.

THE LOSS: No losses, but missing out the signing of Socceroos captain Lucas … Continue Reading

The long awaited entrance of the A-League’s newest club, Western Sydney Wanderers, is edging closer. In fact, it’s fair to say that the competitions latest debutant has probably created more excitement than any of its predecessors, since the very first A-League match kicked off back in August 2005.

Beginning as far back as 2004 at the A-League’s inception, football fans and administrators debated the merits of an A-League club based in Sydney’s western suburbs, with many citing the area’s rich history in producing football talent and it’s cultural diversity as making it a natural choice. The area was considered early on, with Soccer NSW declaring Parramatta Stadium as its preferred choice as a base for Sydney’s sole A-League entry.

When Soccer NSW president Tom Doumanis announced in October 2004 that Sydney’s newest professional sporting entity and self proclaimed glamour club, Sydney FC, had ultimately chosen Moore Park as it’s spiritual home, he ensured that the debate about an … Continue Reading